Latest Articles in Design & Performance

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Oops, your co-worker just backed the ladder into the picture window you were supposed to install this afternoon. When an accident happens on the job site and window glass gets broken, take time to handle the situation–and the broken glass–safely.
Simonton Windows offer the following tips for handling broken windows:
Do not pick up broken pieces of glass with...more »

Industry products can help builders and remodelers score points under newly-published National Green Building Standard

The National Green Building Standard, a document developed by the International Code Council and the National Association of Home Builders, is said to be the first green building rating system to be approved by ANSI. Completed last year, it is now available for purchase through BuilderBooks.com.
The ICC 700-2008 document is designed to define green practices that can be incorporated...more »

Last week was Window Safety Week. While that event focuses on educating the homeowner, it is also important to consider safety when transporting, installing and handling windows at the job site. Simonton Windows has prepared a list of 10 tips for workers involved in delivery, installation, and working with homeowners.
Use caution and proper lifting techniques when...more »

FMA members gathered last week in Cocoa Beach, Fla., for the assoication's annual spring conference.
Cocoa Beach, Fla.–In addition to a challenging economy and a depressed new construction market, manufacturers and suppliers in the Southeast region of the country have some additional balls to juggle with changes to the hurricane wind zone map, specialized installation techniques...more »

Manufacturers and distributors can find new opportunities with higher-end niche products

Today’s economic climate has window and door fabricators and suppliers alike searching for new strategies to acquire additional market share in order to survive the financial turmoil. No single approach is likely to enable companies to reach that goal, but one area of the market that appears to be a target opportunity is the growing niche for European-style window and door products.
These...more »

Looks still matter, but suppliers say window and door manufacturers are focusing more on function

Window and door manufacturers are asking their hardware to do more. In today’s tight market, there’s a greater need for differentiation. That means increased emphasis on both function and style.
Manufacturers are also looking at hardware that enables them to target new niches. Tilt/turn products are one example, and larger, wide-opening doors are attracting significant attention....more »

President Barack Obama, in a January speech on energy and the economy, said “These are extraordinary times and it calls for swift and extraordinary action.”
Translation—I am an astute enough politician to understand that the reason I have been elected as the president of the United States is that there are a whole lot of people out there who are unhappy with the situation, or...more »

As annual Window Safety Week–the first full week of April–rolls around, the industry highlights its focus on home safety, an important facet of window performance in addition to the usual concerns of green credentials, energy efficiency, wind and water intrusion, impact resistance and security.
The problem: Young children are naturally curious and are attracted to an open window. Even...more »

As a candidate, President Obama promised "change." Although I don't necessarily think it came from the White House, "change" is now evident in the window and door industry.
The change is being applauded by many. With the enactment of the stimulus package, there is now a real tax incentive for homeowners to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes. Manufacturers and...more »

Let me tell you about my inbox since the 30/30 provisions were outlined in the stimulus bill. You sure are an opinionated lot. I personally love the emails...Our IT guys, however, are already tallying up how many drinks I owe them for the '09 holiday party.
Do you agree with the 30/30 provisions required to qualify for the $1,500 tax credit?
Yes
No...more »